All photos courtesy of Benedikta

Benedikta

Vandans, Austria
www.benedikta.at

Nestled in the rugged heart of Montafon, where Austria’s Alps rise in quiet majesty, Benedikta stands as a historic chalet blending tradition with modern luxury. Built in 1836, its weathered wooden facade and original entrance door—welcoming guests for over a century—carry the patina of time, while sweeping views of the village below and towering mountains beyond offer a serene escape. This is a retreat where the past lives on, restored to cradle six to eight guests in a timeless embrace of authenticity and comfort.

Benedikta’s story is etched into its bones. Once a family home, it was reborn through the vision of Elisabeth Brändle, granddaughter of its namesake, and architect Dieter Klammer. A 1970s roof was stripped back to traditional wooden shingles, white sash windows faithfully rebuilt, and an adjoining “Schopf” extension added with a modern sauna—merging heritage with today’s ease. Inside, the chalet glows with preserved treasures like the Montafoner fireplace, its flickering warmth a nod to bygone days, paired with sleek updates that make it a haven for shared moments.

The chalet unfolds across two floors, crafted for togetherness. Upstairs, three stylish bedrooms—each with an en-suite bathroom—offer private nooks of calm, their handcrafted double beds draped in fine linen and walls of white fir wood softened by natural stone. A middle room’s loft bed fits two children or one adult, while a sauna and a state-of-the-art kitchen with an induction stove, oven, and SMEG fridge complete the level. Downstairs, two “Stuben” living rooms beckon with cozy corners, one with a sofa bed, all framed by exposed beams and that iconic fireplace. It’s a space where history hums, yet every modern comfort is at hand.

Benedikta’s charm lies in its balance—rugged roots and refined repose. The garden, vibrant with herbs and flowers once tended by Benedikta herself, invites lingering with comfortable furniture, a grill, and a fire bowl, its bounty free for the kitchen. The sauna in the “Schopf” opens to a balcony and the outdoors, a steamy retreat paired with the crisp Alpine air. Here, time slows to the rhythm of crackling logs and mountain breezes, a “slow living” sanctuary where guests cook with local produce—stocked on request from nearby farms—or savor the stillness. Every detail, from the dark stone bathrooms with alpine herb amenities to the original Montafoner dining tables, weaves a thread of Montafon’s soul.

This is more than a stay—it’s a journey into Montafon’s heart. Elisabeth and Dieter’s restoration honors the chalet’s 1836 origins, opening it with a black steel staircase and airy lounges that let light pour in. Benedikta beckons those who crave authenticity without compromise, a place to gather, unwind, and let the mountains’ quiet grandeur seep into your bones. From the garden’s glow to the fireplace’s embrace, it’s a retreat where the past and present meet, offering a rare chance to live the Alpine life as it was meant to be.